1941 -2021
Dudley passed away peacefully at Amber Valley, Howick, on the 19th May 2021.
I first met Dudley at Solomon House in 1954. and have had the privilege of calling him my good friend for 67 years.
Our 5 years together at Solomon House were memorable in many ways, especially when it came to sharing hours on the sport fields together.
Dudley played in the 1st XV rugby side for two years and captained the side in 1958. He went on to play for the under 19 Natal side whilst at Maritzburg University. In addition to his rugby skills he also played in the 1st XI cricket side, and went on to represent the North Eastern Nuffield side, which proudly included 7 players from our PBHS 1st team.
I was fortunate to share a study with Dudley in our matric year. He was so patient and tried really hard to teach me Maths — all to no avail. As prefects we were given a degree of responsibility and privilege that year, and it proved to be a particularly bonding period in our friendship. I got to know Dudley’s more serious, caring and conscientious side.
Our paths diverged once we married, had children and concentrated on our careers .However, as the years went by we reconnected in our mature years.
There was a time in our later years that Dudley, Rodney Falkson, Sandy Grant, Tony Gertenbach and I started meeting for lunch in Pretoria every month. What happy times we enjoyed sharing stories of our school days, which got better with each additional glass of wine. Wonderful memories.
Dudley married Elizabeth Crocker and they had a daughter and two sons. Sadly Elizabeth passed away in her early fifties. A few years later Dudley married Sally Aylward and they lived in Randjiesfontien for 20 years before moving to Amber Valley. Sally had four sons and between Dudley and Sally they ended up with 17 grandchildren, who brought them great joy. He was a great family man.
Dudley ran his own business literally until the day he died.
He had an unusual interest in flying— he went Paragliding in the French Alps, he did a Canopy in Karkloof, then down to Nelspruit where he enjoyed Microlighting. Just two months before he passed away he went Paragliding in the Underberg. He so enjoyed and thrilled at all these experiences
Dudley lived life to the full. He fondly remembered his time at Pretoria Boys High and was in touch with many Old Boy’s.
It was a real blessing to have Dudley in my life. as I’m sure it has been for everyone who knew and loved him. A very special and honorable man
Neville Holmes